WFM more cautious after Incheon nightmare
AFTER losing a gold medal at the 2014 Incheon Games, the Wushu Federation of Malaysia (WFM) are taking extra precautions to ensure no doping issues affect the team at the Indonesia Asian Games this year.
WFM vice president Wong Kim Swee said the national body have learnt from the doping case which saw exponent Tai Cheau Xuen being stripped of her gold, which was also the first that Malaysia had won in Incheon.
Cheau Xuen had tested posi- tive for the appetite suppressant sibutramine which she claimed she had accidentally consumed through diet medication.
She was subsequently banned for four months.
“We are more careful now, we have learnt our lesson.
“We are monitoring our athletes and guiding them to ensure it does not happen again,” said Kim Swee after the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) selection committee meeting for the Asian Games today.
In regard to athletes’ selection, Kim Swee said 11 exponents have been named for now.
The final list, which will be done at the end of June, will be whittled down to seven.
“We will bring all 11 players for a preparation camp in China and then go straight to Japan for competition.
“The programme will be for 45 days starting in March.
“This is the first time we are going to train abroad for a long period. We will also be going to China again in June for 30 days.”
A total of eight gold will be on offer in the sport at the Asiad.
WFM, however, have yet to set a target.
Seasoned veterans Diana Bong and Loh Jack Chang are among those who have been named in the squad. Jumiati Rosly